French: BA

The goal of the French program at USU is to prepare students for advanced studies in French language, literature, and culture. French majors take language courses where they develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills; literature courses where they come to better understand the human condition; and culture courses where they learn about the traditions and perspectives of French-speaking communities. They also have the option to participate in study abroad programs in France where they gain proficiency in French language and culture.

The facultymembers in the French program have culturally diverse expertise in language, literature and culture which helps majors gain a solid grounding in the French language and culture. This also prepares them to function effectively in a variety of careers and as members of the international community.

Emphases:

An emphasis is not required.

French Teaching: This emphasis is offered for students who wish to obtain licensure to teach in secondary schools. This emphasis includes courses in language history, the interaction of language and society, and teaching methodologies.

Education Component:

This is for the French teaching emphasis only. In order to obtain a secondary teaching license for grades 6-12, students must complete the 35-credit Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes one semester of student teaching in a public school. This program is administered by USU’s School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. Student must apply to the School of TEAL the semester before taking STEP courses. This is usually the fall of their junior year. Students learn subject content through the Languages, Philosophy, and Communication Studies Department, and spend the last year or two studying education techniques through the STEP program.

Students in the French teaching program are required to select an approved teaching minor in order to expand their career options.

Professional Organizations, Honor Societies, and Clubs

American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages: This is the only national organization dedicated to the improvement and expansion of the teaching and learning of all languages at all levels of instruction. ACTFL is an individual membership organization of foreign language educators and administrators from elementary through graduate education, as well as government and industry.

Phi Sigma Iota: This is the highest academic honor in the field of foreign languages. This honor society recognizes outstanding accomplishment in the study or teaching of academic fields related to foreign language, literature, or culture. These fields include foreign languages, as well as classic languages, linguistics, philology, comparative literature, bilingual education, second language acquisition, and other interdisciplinary programs with a significant foreign language component. Phi Sigma Iota promotes the principles of dedication, enthusiasm, and initiative at both the graduate and undergraduate level by encouraging leadership opportunities in chapter development and scholarship awards.

French Club: This club is open to any interested student on campus. The club meets to discuss academic topics, job opportunities, and compete and participate in a number of different activities with organizations around campus.

Labs, Centers, Research

With the second oldest undergraduate research program in the nation, USU offers students a wide range of opportunities to gain hands-on research experience. USU’s Honors Program prepares students for excellent graduate programs by helping them build relationships with professors, participate in research projects, take smaller, more intensive classes, and develop leadership skills.

Technology Assisted Language Center: This center serves primarily as a self-paced, language practice facility for students majoring in foreign languages.